In a stunning development, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has decided to strip Pakistan of its hosting rights for the Olympic Qualifiers scheduled for January. This decision, a significant setback for Pakistan hockey, comes as a consequence of the bitter infighting between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the state-owned Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
The FIH’s verdict has sent shockwaves through the global hockey community and raised questions about Pakistan’s ability to successfully host international events. Lahore had been selected as the venue for the qualifiers, marking a momentous occasion for Pakistan hockey after a decade-long hiatus from hosting such events.
However, the root cause of the crisis lies in the ongoing power struggle, with the PSB attempting to exert influence over the PHF by pushing for its preferred officials to take the helm. This interference has plunged the federation into chaos, threatening the stability of Pakistan’s hockey administration.
Former Olympians, emboldened by support from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and the PSB, are now actively seeking to stage a coup within the PHF. Their aim is to pass a vote of no confidence against the current president, Brigadier Khalid Sajjad Khokar, and secretary Haider Hussain. Among these Olympians are notable figures such as Asif Bajwa, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Rana Mujahid, some of whom have previously served as secretaries under Khokar’s leadership.
The FIH’s decision to withdraw Pakistan’s hosting rights underscores the urgency of resolving these internal disputes and restoring stability to Pakistan hockey. As the global sporting community watches closely, the fate of Pakistan’s participation in the Olympic Qualifiers hangs in the balance. This setback serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of unity and cooperation within sporting organizations, especially when representing a nation with a rich hockey heritage.
The road ahead for Pakistan hockey remains uncertain, but the hope is that stakeholders can come together to navigate these turbulent waters and ensure that the sport continues to thrive on the global stage. As this story unfolds, it serves as a testament to the challenges and triumphs that often accompany the world of international sports.https://www.sportiwe.com/
